Large-volume container

ABSTRACT

A rectangular-shaped large-volume container for accommodating pallets loaded with articles. The floor, front wall and one of the side walls of the container are constructed rigid with one another to form a rigid structure. The other side wall is formed by an upper and lower flap member pivotally mounted about horizontally extending respective upper and lower axles. A linkage mechanism interconnects the upper and lower flap members such that movement of the lower flap member to an open position disposed 180* from the closed position simultaneously and automatically effects an opening movement of the upper flap member to a position 90* from its closed position. This linkage mechanism includes a spring loaded telescoping link arrangement interconnected at hinge points on the respective upper and lower flaps, which hinge points move through a circular arc about the pivot axes of these flaps. The rear wall of the container is constructed as a double-wing lockable door and an upper frame latch member, which upper frame latch member is pivotal out of position when the doors are opened so that a completely opened rear wall is obtained for loading the container. A tarpaulin is rigidly attached along the upper edge of the solid side wall and is detachably connected over the entire top side of the container by way of a zipper extending around the remaining three upper walls of the container. With this container, it is possible to accommodate loading from above, the side and the rear, either simultaneously or independently.

United States Patent I i191 Primary Examiner-John Petrakes Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Craig & Antonelli Hartmann Dec. 24, 1974 LARGE-VOLUME CONTAINER [57] ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: Otto Ernst Hartmann, A rectangular-shaped large-volume container for ac- Wackersberg/Bad Tolz, Germany commodating pallets loaded with articles. The floor, [73] Assigneef Cota-Spedition International from Wall 3 oflihe Side walls of the container I C0mainer TranSp0rte GmbH & are constructed r1g1d with one another to form a rlgid Berlin. Germany structure. Theother s1de wall is formed by an upper and lower flap member pivotally mounted about hori- [22] Filed: Mar. 5, 1973 zontally extending respective upper and lower axles. A linkage mechanism interconnects the u per and lower [211 App! 337360 flap members such that movement of the lower flap member to an open position disposed 180 from the [30] Foreign Application Priority Data closed position simultaneously and automatically ef- Nov. 10, 1972 Germany"; 2255147 feets an Opening movement of e 'PP p member to a position 90 from its closed position. This linkage [52] US. Cl. 220/1.5 mechanism ineludee'a spring loaded telescoping link 51] Int. Cl. B65d 7/12 arrangement interconnected at hinge points on the [58] Field 61 Search ..'220/1.5, 4 F, 83, 6,.7; speetive pp and lower flaps, which hinge points 217 12 15, 47, 5 move through a circular arc about the pivot axes of these flaps. The rear wall of the container is con- [56] References it d structed as a double-wing lockable door and an upper frame latch member, which upper frame latch memher is pivotal out of position when the doors are fag- 3 Q opened so that a completely opened rear wall is ob- 3382998 5/1968 Turden tl... .I 2 20/15 mined loading the container- A tarPaulm is rigidly 3:570:69s' 3/1971 Dougherty. 220/1Q5 attached 8 the upper edge of the solid d Wall 3,587,900 6/1971 -Millar'et al. 217/12 and is detaehably Connected Over the entire p side 3,610,715 10/1971 Bodenheimer 220/1.5 X R of the container by way of a zipper extending around 3,612,330 10/1971 Baer 220/1.5 the remaining three upper walls of the container. With 3,672,529 6/1972 Feddersen et al. 220]].5 this container, it is possible to accommodate loading from above, the side and the rear, either simulta- 'neously or independently.

20 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED DECZ 4 I974 sum 3 OF 5 PATENTEB DEC 2 4 I914 SHLU L BF 5 Fig. A

PATENTED DEC 2 4 I974 sum 23 gg 5 1 LARGE-VOLUME CONTAINER BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a rectangular-shaped large-volume container which can be placed on a sup port directly or by way of hinged props or the like. Containers of this type serve, in the normal case, for the reception of goods disposed on pallets. They are generally open at the top and-are optionally covered bya tarpaulin placed thereon. The pallets laden with the goods are introduced into the containerfrom above by means of a crane and are lashed fast with respect to the bottom of the container.

The invention contemplates constructing such containers so that they can be loaded not only from the frame member of the rear wall is disposed so that it can be removed from itsposition/The present invention also contemplates that one of the two side walls is formed from two'flaps, the pivot axes and axles .of which lie in the'edge zonesof the side wall and extend horizontally; and that thetopside of the container is covered by a tarpaulin rigidly attached along one-side wall edge, the othe'redges of this'tarpaulin beingkat tachable by means of a waterproof zipper extending in parallel to the two upper frame latches and the other parallel side edge disposed at the same level. When the zipper is undone, the tarpaulin can be pulled off and can be disposed so that it hangs in parallel to that side wall to whose upperedge one edge of the tarpaulin-is rigidly attached. The container can then be loaded from the top by means of a crane. Moreover, by unlocking and opening the two-winged door forming the rear wall of the container, and by then removing the upper frame latch, which also serves for locking-the door, the container can also be loaded from its rear side bymeans of a crane, which often provides a considerable simplification. If, for some reason, for example during rainy weather, importance is placed on leaving the tarpaulin cover in place, the two flaps of one side wall canbe opened; the upper flap can be pivoted from the vertical position into a horizontal position, and the lower flap can be pivoted from its vertical position via a'horizontal position into a downwardly suspended .ver tical position. In this condition, the upper flap also serves as a rain protector or shield. It is, of course, also possible, if loading by crane is a necessity, to additionally open the side wall formed of two flaps, once the cover tarpaulin and optionally also the double-wing rear wall door have been opened. 3

Another advantageous feature contemplated by the present invention is the arrangement of. the upperthis frame neously pivoted outwardly. Thus, for. example, it is merely necessary to release the latch locking the two flaps and to pivot the lower flap downwardly by whereby automatically also the upper flap is pivoted from its vertical position into a horizontal position. The upper ends of the linkages should be hingedly connected to respectively one approximately L-shaped fitting mounted at the upper flap, and the lowerends of the linkages should be hingedly connected to respectively one bearing mounted to the lower flap, namely in such a manner that the connection points of the linkages, in the closed condition of the two flaps, are disposedv above the pivot axes of the flaps. In this connection, each linkage is constructed to be variable in length to accommodate'opening and closing of the two flaps.

. The present invention further contemplates, as supporting means for the cover tarpaulin, beams which are removably insertable and mountable in the upper frame latches of the front and rearwalls.

The arrangementof a container according to the present invention provides various advantages with respect to versatility for various loading directions, simplicity and'res'ultant economy of construction, ease of operation, and the like. I Other important features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a lateral view of a container constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2'is a top plan view of the container after remov ing the tarpaulin and its supporting beam means;v

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the container, placed on a support by means of hinged or folding feet;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of a side wall .of the container provided with two flaps; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view in parallel to the solid front wall of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF- Tl-IE DRAWINGS In the preferred embodiment illustrated (see FIG. 2),

it isassumed that the container is to receive eight paltached to one another, forming'a three-dimensional comer, the other side wall 7 consists of two flaps 8 and 9, the pivot axles l0 and 11 of which (FIG. 4) are disposed in the side wall edge zones and extend horizontally. The two flaps 8 and? are joined via linkages l2 and 13 at respective opposite ends of the container as best shown inFIG. 1. These linkages are constructed such that, 'when the flap 9 is pivoted from its closed position into an open position, as indicated by the arrow 14, the flap 8 is'also automatically pivoted outwardly,

as indicated by the arrow 15 (FIG. 4). In the open position the flap 9 is disposed in a vertical plane, pivoted by 180 downwardly from its closed position, whereas the flap 8, pivoted by 90, is disposed in a horizontal position.

In order to attain the above-described flap opening sequence, the flap 8 is provided with two fittings 16 having an approximately L-shaped form, and the flap 9 is provided with two bearings 17. The linkages l2 and 13 engage, with their upper ends, respective hinge points 18 of the fittings l6 and engage, with their lower ends, respective hinge points 19 of the bearings 17. The upper hinge points 18, as well as the lower hinge points 19 are disposed, when the flaps 8 and 9 are closed,

. above the pivot axles 10 and/or 11 of the flaps with which they are associated. The hinge points or joints 18 and l9'move along circular arcs 20 and 21 about the relatively fixed pivot axles l0 and 11 during the opening and/or closing of the sidewall 7. Consequently, the lower hinge points 19, in the closed position of the side wall 7, are disposed in a locking position, because the hinge points 19 must first be lifted somewhat to accommodate the opening of the flap 9. The linkages l2 and 13-are constructed so that the spacing between the hinge points 18 and 19 can be varied during the opening or closing of the flaps to facilitate this locking sequence and the lifting of hinge points 19. This variable spacing of hinge points 18 and '19 is achieved by a televention, detailedlock assemblies for same are not described herein.

As best'seen in FIG. 3, the re ar'wall 23 is fashioned as a door having two wings 24 and-25, the pivot axes and axles 26 and 27 of which extend vertically. By means of locking linkages 28 and 29, both door wings can be fixed in the locked position with respect to the frame latches 30 and 31. Here again, it is contemplated 'to provide a customs-safe latch. The upper frame latch or latch frame member 30 can be removed from its position as illustrated in FIG. 3 by pivoting the latch by 180 about a vertical axis 32 after detaching its righthand end from the container frame. When the two wings 24 and 25 have been opened and the upper frame latch 30 has been pivoted outwardly, the inner space of the container can also be loaded from this side by means of a crane since the wings and the frame latch form substantially the entire extent of the rear wall 23.

The pallets with the articles disposed thereon can be lashed fast, after entering the inner space of the container, by means of eyes or the link, denoted by 33, mounted to the bottom or floor 6'(FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 illustrateshinged props 34 for supporting the As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the upper frame latch 30 of the rear wall 23 and the upper frame latch 36 of the front wall 5 are fashioned so that wooden beams 37 or the like can be displaceably arranged therein for supporting a tarpaulin 38. One longitudinal edge 39 of the tarpaulin is affixed to the upper marginal edge 40 of the solid side wall 4. A zipper 41 extends around the remainder of the top of the container at a distance fromand in parallel to the upper marginal edge of the solid front wall 5, the foldable side wall 7, and the upper frame latch 30, so that the inner space of the container, after opening the zipper and removing the beams 37, is also accessible from the top.

While I have shown and described only one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same is not limited thereto, but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known 'to those skilled in the art, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but intendto cover all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims. I claim: 1'. A rectangular-shaped large-volume container comprising:

a horizontally disposed floor, a front wall, a rear wall,

and first and second side-walls,

said rear wall being constructed as a lockable and openable rear door and .an upper rear wall frame member extending between said first and second side walls, said upper rear wall frame member being removable from position for accommodating loading of said container from therear when said rear door is open, I i

said first sidewall being formed by respective upper and lower flap members,'said flap members being pivotal aboutrespective upper and lower horizontally extending flap axes such that said flap members together form a substantially solid first side wall when said flap members are in respective first positions and such that said first side wall is substantially open for accommodating loading of said container from the side of said first sidewall when said flap members are in respective second positions. I

' 2. A container according to claim l, wherein said flap members are pivotally mounted to said container by way of respective pivot axles disposed in respective front and rear edge zones of said first side wall.

3. A container according to claim 2, further comprising interconnecting means interconnecting said upper and lower flap members such that pivotal movement of said lower flap member effects pivotal movement of saidupper flap member. v

4. A container'according to claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means includes: an L-shaped fitting fixed to the upper flap membena bearing bracket fixed to the lower flap member, linkage means having one end container. These props 34 can be pivoted .and fixed about horizontal axes or axles 35 supported at the underside' of the container. These props 34 are constructed so that they can be readily removed to accommodate handling of the container in use.

hingedly connected to said L-shaped fitting andthe other end hingedly connected to said bearing bracket.

5. A container according to claim 4, wherein, in the closed position of said flap members, the hinged connection of said linkage means and said L-shaped fitting is above the pivot axle associated withthe upper flap member and the hinged connection of said linkage means and said bearing bracket is above the pivot axle 6. A container according to claim 5, wherein said linkage means and associated L-shaped fitting and bracket member are configured anddimensioned such that pivotal opening movement of said lower flap member to a position 180 from the closed position of said lower flapmember causes a pivotal opening movement of said upper flap member to a position 90% from the closed position of said upper flap member.

7. A container according to claim 5, wherein said [linkage means includes spring biased telescoping parts.

8. A container according to claim 7, further comprising a topside formed by a flexible tarpaulin fixedly connected at an upper edge portion of one of said second side wall and said front wall, said tarpaulin being d'etachably connectible to respective upper edge portions of said rear wall, said first side wall, and the other of said front wall and said second side wall.

9. A container according to claim 8, further comprising longitudinally extending beams releasably inserted in said upper rear wall frame member and anupper front wall frame member for supporting said tarpaulin.

tions of said rear wall, said first side wall, and the other i of said front wall and said second side wall.

11. A container according to claim 10, wherein waterproof zipper means are provided on said tarpaulin for detachably connecting said. tarpaulin to said respective upper edge portions.

12. A container according to claim 11, wherein said flap members are pivotally mounted to said container by way of respective pivot axles disposed in respective front and rear edge zones of said first side wall.

, 6. "1 3. A container according to claim 12, wherein said rear door includes two wing members pivotally mounted at respective vertically extending pivot axles disposed adjacent opposite edge portions of said rear wall, and wherein locking means engageable with said upper rearwall frame member and with a lower rear wall frame member are provided for locking said rear door in a closed position. v i

14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the upper rear wall frame me'mberis' detachably connected at one end to one of said side walls and is pivotally mounted at the other end to the other of said side walls for movement about a vertically extending upper frame member axis.

15. A container according to claim 10, further com-. prising longitudinally extending" beamsreleasably inserted in said upper rear wall frame member and an upper front wall frame member for supporting said tarpaulin.

16. A container according to claim 1, wherein said rear door includes two wing members pivotally mounted at respective vertically extending pivot axles disposed adjacent opposite edge portions of said rear wall, and wherein locking means engageable with said upper rear wall frame member and with a lower rear wall frame member are provided for locking said rear door in a closed position.

17. A container according to claim 1, wherein the upper rear wall frame member is detachably connected at one end to one of said side walls and is pivotally mounted at the other end to the other of said side walls for movment about a vertically extending upper frame member axis. r a

18. A container according to claim 1, further'comprising a support disposed under said floor for supporting said container above ground level.

19. A container according to claim 18, wherein said support is constructed as a hinged support prop attached to lower frame members of said container.

20. A container according to claim 1, further comprising lashing attaching means on said floor for lashing pallets and the like in position in said container. 

1. A rectangular-shaped large-volume container comprising: a horizontally disposed floor, a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls, said rear wall being constructed as a lockable and openable rear door and an upper rear wall frame member extending between said first and second side walls, said upper rear wall frame member being removable from position for accommodating loading of said container from the rear when said rear door is open, said first side wall being formed by respective upper and lower flap members, said flap members being pivotal about respective upper and lower horizontally extending flap axes such that said flap members together form a substantially solid first side wall when said flap members are in respective first positions and such that said first side wall is substantially open for accommodating loading of said container from the side of said first side wall when said flap members are in respective second positions.
 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said flap members are pivotally mounted to said container by way of respective pivot axles disposed in respective front and rear edge zones of said first side wall.
 3. A container according to claim 2, further comprising interconnecting means interconnecting said upper and lower flap members such that pivotal movement of said lower flap member effects pivotal movement of said upper flap member.
 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means includes: an L-shaped fitting fixed to the upper flap member, a bearing bracket fixed to the lower flap member, linkage means having one end hingedly connected to said L-shaped fitting and the other end hingedly connected to said bearing bracket.
 5. A container according to claim 4, wherein, in the closed position of said flap members, the hinged connection of said linkage means and said L-shaped fitting is above the pivot axle associated with the upper flap member and the hinged connection of said linkage means and said bearing bracket is above the pivot axle associated with the lower flap member, and wherein the linkage means is of variable length to accommodate movement of said flap members along with said L-shaped fitting and bracket members to said open position.
 6. A container according to claim 5, wherein said linkage means and associated L-shaped fitting and bracket member are configured and dimensioned such that pivotal opening movement of said lower flap member to a position 180* from the closed positiOn of said lower flap member causes a pivotal opening movement of said upper flap member to a position 90% from the closed position of said upper flap member.
 7. A container according to claim 5, wherein said linkage means includes spring biased telescoping parts.
 8. A container according to claim 7, further comprising a topside formed by a flexible tarpaulin fixedly connected at an upper edge portion of one of said second side wall and said front wall, said tarpaulin being detachably connectible to respective upper edge portions of said rear wall, said first side wall, and the other of said front wall and said second side wall.
 9. A container according to claim 8, further comprising longitudinally extending beams releasably inserted in said upper rear wall frame member and an upper front wall frame member for supporting said tarpaulin.
 10. A container according to claim 1, further comprising a topside formed by a flexible tarpaulin fixedly connected at an upper edge portion of one of said second side wall and said front wall, said tarpaulin being detachably connectible to respective upper edge portions of said rear wall, said first side wall, and the other of said front wall and said second side wall.
 11. A container according to claim 10, wherein waterproof zipper means are provided on said tarpaulin for detachably connecting said tarpaulin to said respective upper edge portions.
 12. A container according to claim 11, wherein said flap members are pivotally mounted to said container by way of respective pivot axles disposed in respective front and rear edge zones of said first side wall.
 13. A container according to claim 12, wherein said rear door includes two wing members pivotally mounted at respective vertically extending pivot axles disposed adjacent opposite edge portions of said rear wall, and wherein locking means engageable with said upper rear wall frame member and with a lower rear wall frame member are provided for locking said rear door in a closed position.
 14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the upper rear wall frame member is detachably connected at one end to one of said side walls and is pivotally mounted at the other end to the other of said side walls for movement about a vertically extending upper frame member axis.
 15. A container according to claim 10, further comprising longitudinally extending beams releasably inserted in said upper rear wall frame member and an upper front wall frame member for supporting said tarpaulin.
 16. A container according to claim 1, wherein said rear door includes two wing members pivotally mounted at respective vertically extending pivot axles disposed adjacent opposite edge portions of said rear wall, and wherein locking means engageable with said upper rear wall frame member and with a lower rear wall frame member are provided for locking said rear door in a closed position.
 17. A container according to claim 1, wherein the upper rear wall frame member is detachably connected at one end to one of said side walls and is pivotally mounted at the other end to the other of said side walls for movment about a vertically extending upper frame member axis.
 18. A container according to claim 1, further comprising a support disposed under said floor for supporting said container above ground level.
 19. A container according to claim 18, wherein said support is constructed as a hinged support prop attached to lower frame members of said container.
 20. A container according to claim 1, further comprising lashing attaching means on said floor for lashing pallets and the like in position in said container. 